Drug and Alcohol Services at BHS

Alcoholism is a serious condition that can ruin a person’s life. There are a few genetic and physical factors that influence a person’s chances of developing an alcohol addiction. If your family has a history with alcoholism, you have a higher chance of suffering it as well. Studies have shown that alcoholism is more common in individuals who started drinking at an early age, have poor living conditions, suffered abuse at home or school, or watched adults use alcohol as a coping mechanism. If you ever find you have a craving for alcohol, and feel sick or anxious when you go without drinking for too long, you could be witnessing the early stage of an addiction and seek help from a doctor, friend or family member.

Research suggests that genetic factors do play a role in an individual’s proclivity to develop alcoholism, though there is no clear-cut answer yet. Studies have shown a person with an alcoholic is 4 times as likely to become an alcoholic if one of their parents suffered the condition. Additionally, identical twins are twice as likely share an alcoholic condition or lack-thereof as fraternal twins. While it does seem genetic factors play a role, the importance of environmental factors should not be understated. If you believe you are at a risk of developing an addiction, speak with a doctor. Fighting it before it begins can go a long way.

Consuming alcohol while pregnant can result in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). When a pregnant woman drinks, the alcohol travels through her blood and to the baby through the placenta. This can result in growth defects, facial deformities, and brain deficiencies. Not every woman who drinks while pregnant will have a baby with FASD, but there is no known safe amount. It is best to avoid alcohol entirely while pregnant.

It is important to be aware of a growing addiction. If you believe you are starting to develop a dependency on a substance, check for the warning signs of addiction and compare them with your own habits. Ask yourself the following questions: Do I feel guilty about using this substance? Are other people concerned with how much I use this substance? Do I often indulge drinking or drugs while alone? Have I ever lied about using a substance? Have I ever been injured while using this substance?

If you are concerned, make an appointment with a doctor or counselor and tell them about your situation. It is easier to prevent an addiction when addressing it early.

When drug use reaches a point where it interferes with your work or relationships, chances are you have started to abuse it. Drug abuse can happen to anyone, but is particularly common in people with a family history of the problem, or experienced abuse at some point in their life. Abusing a drug does not necessarily mean you are addicted. An addiction is characterized by a perceived need to consume a substance, despite the damage it causes in their life. At the abuse stage, the substance is damaging the victim’s life, but they may not take it on a regular basis, or develop a dependency. Treatment for drug abuse usually involves a mixture of medication and counseling.